The White Tulip (Symbolism Of My Feelings)

Shocking Surprise (Part Three)

Honey

''Guess who?'' His sweet voice melted me inside. I've been dreaming of this moment for so long and finally... it came true... maybe?

''L...'' I slowly put my things down on the ground.

''Wait here and close your eyes. Don't move anywhere. When I'm ready and tell you to turn around, do so.'' After that, his soft hands let go of my eyes. I was curious about what he planned this time. I had so many presents: from white beautiful tulips in a basket - the type of flowers he always gives me - to this elegant dress which he bought for me. Is he that rich? If he does this every day, he will be on a budget soon. I heard noises of leaves and a car coming from somewhere before me which made me more perplexed. ''You can turn around now.''

Prepare yourself, Honey. One... Two... Three!

I turned around with the hope that he'll do the expected thing. I was totally shocked, however. This guy wasn't wearing casual clothes as I thought. Instead, he got a white tuxedo on him with a bow tie around his neck. His wavy hair was blown away by the fall breeze; his eyes showed excitement and they were sparkling. His beautiful hands were behind him and I noticed that he was hiding something from me. The ends of his thin lips went upward, forming a charming smile.

''Look, Honey. You remember the time where we first met. I don't know about you but for me, it was love at first sight. Yes. We solved Math problems and it wasn't supposed to be romantic... but I treasured and still treasure this moment since it was our first conversation. And after the class ended I put these white tulips which symbolize hope, a hope that you will accept me. I was so excited to give them to you.''

He made a step forward. I felt displeased when he left me for a second and now as he was approaching me without hurry, my heart could explode any moment from too much endurance of emotions. I wanted no distance between us.

''At school, I thought you always wore jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts whose hoodies covered your beautiful light brown hair but when I came across you at the restaurant, I was very surprised to see you wearing the elegant dress which fits you perfectly. My expectations were wrong. But for good, you know.'' He pursed his lip which caused my affection for him to grow. ''And I always protect you whenever I can, do things together so I can get close to you, help you in need. When I gave you my phone number I was impatient to talk to you on the phone. We chatted for a long time... Sorry if I appear to be a stalker or creeper.'' This handsome guy who was standing in front of me was hitting some rocks in nervousness, I guess, and then he gazed at me with his soft eyes. ''I don't know about you but I enjoy being in the same class with you. There were times when I annoyed you, made you worried; you probably found me strange and crazy. Sometimes I overreact. But you still tolerated with me and I'm... happy...'' L began massaging his right temple with one hand; the other still holding the secret object. ''I was actually sad and surprised that you didn't recognize me at first because I thought you listened to K-pop and would know our group. But after that you tried to listen to our songs, you liked them, right.'' He made another step towards me. ''You're different, Kim Honey. I know that it isn't a typical ''date'' for you, me wearing suits might seem bizarre and it took you so long to finally meet me and at the same time, you were carrying all those presents from me. I tried to make this moment special... But... would you accept this last gift and... would you go on dates with me?'' His speech was finished and after that, he kneeled his one leg and showed me something that I hadn't expected.

It wasn't a flower for which I was thankful, nor it was a ring, or bracelet or necklace or any other jewelry. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a couple ring. But I bet millions of dollars that you won't guess what he was holding. What would you do if I say that in his hands was...

...an ice cream? Yes, ladies and gentleman. It was a chocolate-strawberry ice cream. My favorite one! I wondered - during L's speech - how the ice cream did not melt. It was autumn and it was a little windy but still, the sun was shining in Seoul. Gladly there were trees which covered the sunlight, slowing down the process of dripping ice cream.

I covered my mouth in awe. This scene is very unforeseen yet that's what I wanted - something odd to happen. Silence remained in the park. Absolutely no one was there. Maybe I should answer quickly since the ice cream is to about to cover L's hands.

''L... This is amazing.'' I finally spoke. ''You arranged all this for me. This is a lot for an ordinary girl like me but I appreciate your efforts.'' I approached him and took the ice cream for him which made him stand up. He took my hand and again he was taller than me. ''Yes, L. It will be my pleasure to go out with you.'' And give him my big smile. A sincere in fact. Never in my life have I ever smiled so brightly. I started to eat the ice cream so it didn't dirty my hands.

''Are you serious?'' His eyes widened. ''I don't know what to say except... Thanks for giving me a chance.'' He hugged me. Thank God I didn't smack my ice cream into his tuxedo. I returned his gesture. We stayed like that for a long time. My heart was beating like hell. I realized that his heart was in the same condition as mine. I broke the hug and blushed.

''Can I finish the ice cream?'' I pointed at it, already melted. I didn't look at him, though.

''Sure. Go ahead.'' L pulled from his pocket some wet tissues. ''Place your ice cream to the other hand, I'll wipe the dirty one.'' He started wiping my hand slowly and cleanly until it shined. Such a gentleman. ''There you go.'' He threw the dirty tissue in the bin which was two meters far from him. ''Yes!'' L fist pumped in the air in success.

''You're so cute when you do that.'' I giggled and ate, was done with the ice cream which was now in my stomach. I think his face reddened for a short while.

I was so happy that it looked like a dream. I never assumed this handsome guy to plan something for this day and make it special. And definitely, I did not know he would ask me to go out with him. I did not dream of us hanging out or moving to the next stage of our relationship. We were out of our friend zone but we weren't officially a couple. But it's okay, I wasn't done with hearing everything about him yet. Time doesn't intend to go anywhere so we were going to get to know more about each other. When we feel ready, we will be heading towards the phase of the lovers.

My phone interrupted my beautiful moment with L. Really? Right now? The boy, however, didn't mind and told me to pick up. I did as I was told. It was auntie. She wanted me to help her since she accidentally glued one of her hands in a statue - one of her projects. ''L... You don't mind if I go home this instant?'' I took my stuff with me.

''Of course not. I'll drive you and you'll give me directions.'' Then he took some of my bags, grabbed my hand and together we went behind the bush. His car was located there. I thought that the surprises were over. He took off the balloons from the bush and tied them to the basket with the rest. We got in. He started the engine and we drove home. During the journey, we talked about minor stuff and we both added some more info about one another in our brains. When we arrived, L placed a kiss on my cheek very fast. My cheek was burning but I didn't show my embarrassment to him. We bid goodbye and I went to the house. I wanted to take a glance him for the last time that day but his car was already gone.